§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people will be transferred from local authorities to the Meat Hygiene Service; and what is the total estimated cost of this operation. [17017]
§ Mrs. BrowningA total of 753 staff are expected to transfer to the Meat Hygiene Service from local authorities. External consultants were employed to carry out this exercise which has been completed at a cost of £85,000.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the difference in charges for meat inspection per hour between each local authority and 1057W the Meat Hygiene Service. [17618]
§ Mrs. BrowningA comparison between existing local authorities authority charges for meat inspection and the proposed standard charges by the Meat Hygiene Service was given in the cost compliance assessment which was tabled with the Meat (Hygiene, Inspection and Examinations for Residues) (Charges) Regulations 1995.
I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson) on 29 March, Official Report, columns 653–54.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many people will be employed by the Meat Hygiene Service; and what will be their total annual salary; [17016]
(2) what will be the number of senior management staff within the Meat Hygiene Service; and what is their estimated total annual salary. [17024]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe Meat Hygiene Service expects to employ 947 staff at an estimated total annual salary for 1995–96 of £26.5 million. It will employ 11 senior managers at an estimated total annual salary of £476,000.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the total number of Meat Hygiene Service(a) official veterinary surgeons and (b) Meat Hygiene Inspectors; and what will be their estimated salaries. [17219]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe Meat Hygiene Service expects to employ 47 official veterinary surgeons and 835 meat hygiene inspectors. In addition, veterinary services and relief cover for meat inspection will be obtained through contract. I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 3 April to hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Dr. Strang) in respect of MHS salaries.